Melrose state champions 58-39. Over Gateway

Friday Night Football

Scoreboard
Capitan 14, Dexter 7 (OT)
Las Cruces 45, Cleveland 7
St Pius 42, Roswell 7

Game Scoring Recaps

Capitan-Dexter
Capitan's Price Bowen hits Ellison for a game winning TD to win in overtime.

Stephen Ellison started the game with a 46-yard touchdown in the first half.

Gabino Rodriguez had the lone touchdown for Dexter a 20-yard touchdown.


Las Cruces-Cleveland
Payton Ball rushed for 135 yards and passed for 133. He finished with a total of 4 touchdowns, 2 passing/2ruahing.

Brandon Baeza had two receiving touchdowns for Las Cruces. Ryan Beltran rushed for a touchdown. Kenny Aleman had two INTs for the Bulldawgs. Ivan Molina had a blocked punt.

Daniel Johnson had a 22-yard touchdown reception for the Cleveland Storm.


St. Pius X-Roswell
Drew Ortiz had the first score on the night with a 50-yard touchdown run. Ryan Mcgaha had a touchdown run in the second half along with a Dylan Dilorenzo touchdown catch from 20-yards. Adrian Leon scores a rushing touchdown in the second half.

Justin Rivera had a pick 6 for St Pius X as well from 20 out.

Gabriel Najar had the lone touchdown for Roswell.

Beat Estancia head to finals

Week 14 Roll Call

Week 14 Game Preview & Predictions

Two weeks left in the football season, 13 weeks down, today we preview the games for week 14 and the semi-finals of the state playoffs.

More: Grine Picks Week 14 | Top 20 Players | 25 Names to Know | 15 Offensive Linemen

6A - Semi-Finals

Schedule/Times

No. 1 Rio Rancho vs No. 5 Manzano, Sat., 1pm
No. 2 Cleveland vs No. 3 Las Cruces, Fri., 7pm

Previews

1 Rio Rancho (11-0) vs 5 Manzano (10-2): The Saturday semi-final will take place in Rio Rancho as the top ranked Rams take on the Monarchs. The two programs met on September 23rd in Rio Rancho, the Rams took a 64-27 win. The Monarchs and Rams were locked at 20 to end the first quarter until a big 30 point second quarter by the Rams would eventual end the contest.

Why The Rams: Josh Foley, the OL and the depth. Foley, is the best player in New Mexico, has a great QB, solid line behind Hertz and an entire roster of depth.

Why The Monarchs: Us against the World. 26 votes in Pick 'Em, 24 picked the Rams. As a sophomore Xavier Saud-Ivey has been great but this team has some of that middle tier talent you have to love.

Prediction: Rio Rancho 44, Manzano 27

Line: Rio Rancho -24

Over/Under: 77 points (Combined scores)

-

2 Cleveland (10-1) vs 3 Las Cruces (10-1): Friday night lights in Rio Rancho that will lead off a back-to-back semi-final showing in Rio Rancho, New Mexico (the unofficial home of the Final Four). The two programs met on September 9th a scoring frenzy that had Cleveland come out top 49-41.

Why Cleveland: Defending champs, two stout running backs and talented OL. Nikko Papadopoulos (Sr) has played well all season long but Jacob Flores (Sr) has come on strong lately with a 121-yard rushing performance in a win over Mayfield in the quarterfinals.

Why Las Cruces: Talent and Trenches. Payton Ball, Brandon Baeza and Ivan Molina are PTP (Prime Time Players). However, this offensive line is talented and protects these juniors as the best line this season.

Prediction: Las Cruces 45, Cleveland 34

Line: Las Cruces +10

Over/Under: 88 points.


5A - Semi-Finals

Schedule/Times

No. 5 Los Lunas at No. 1 Artesia, Sat., 1pm
No. 3 Roswell at No. 2 St. Pius X, Fri., 7pm

Preview

1 Artesia (9-2) vs 5 Los Lunas (9-3): Re-match semi-finals has been the theme in the first three previews, the Bulldogs of Artesia and Tigers of Los Lunas met on September 30th. The Bulldogs took the first match up 39-21 at the Bulldog Bowl in Artesia, NM.

Why Artesia: Roster of Championship Depth. The Dogs are deep. No stats, no names mentioned much this season until late but team has some depth.

Why Los Lunas: Defense, Samuels and Beating the Odds. Most people are going with Artesia but they are a team with talent. Most people talk about teams being different now. The Tigers are definitely the definition.

Prediction: Artesia 36, Los Lunas 35

Line: Artesia -3

Over/Under: 65 points

-

2 St. Pius X (10-1) vs 3 Roswell (9-2): Nothing like the first date. The popular team with the homecoming king type in St. Pius vs the newer kid on the block in Roswell who has exceeded expectations this season.

Why St. Pius X: Drew Ortiz. Yes, the team has some other names that we've mentioned this week but this young man is an x-factor each week and a special one to watch.

Why Roswell: Head coach Lynn. The Lynn name, coaching and New Mexico is becoming a theme we should all know. The Coyotes have players in Bear, Najar and Manzanares.

Prediction: St. Pius X 27, Roswell 26

Line: St. Pius X -1

Over/Under: 50


4A - Semi-Finals

Schedule

No. 1 Robertson vs No. 5 Hatch Valley, Sat., 1PM
No. 2 Portales vs No. 6 St. Michael's, Sat., 1:30PM

Preview

5 Hatch Valley (10-2) at No. 1 Robertson (11-0): The two programs met last season for the 4A state championship, a game won by Hatch Valley. The two did not met during the regular season in 2016 but will square off in Las Vegas, New Mexico for a ticket for a return to the 2016 title game.

Why Robertson: A savvy quarterback, stout RB and top defender. Arjay Ortiz is a name we know, haven't heard a lot about but this could be his moment in the sun. Joseph Paul Griego has an average of 100-yards per game for the Cardinals. They also feature a player on the short list for 4A Defender of the Year in Connor Houdek.

Why Hatch Valley: Scary good talent on offense, breakout plays. Starting with the talent you have Saul Trujillo who gets into the endzone more than most in 4A (averages 170.5 rushing yards per game). Shane Cooper Carson a QB that has a 213 yards per game average. We've talked about Cade Hackey, the best WR in 4A. Breakout plays is those special teams points or statement plays that break for a 55-yard run or kickoff return.

Prediction: Robertson 24, Hach Valley 21

Line: Robertson -2.5

Over/Under: 35


No. 6 St. Michael's (9-3) at No. 2 Portales (10-1): A Saturday re-match between two programs that met in Portales on September 16th. The Rams (Portales) won at home in convincing fashion 38-12. With a win here the winner gets the opportunity to play for the 2016 4A state championship.

Why Portales: Talent, Lack of Respect and Opposition Injuries: Talent we have running back Darion Ontiveros, who deserves plenty more credit, Junior Ramirez who has been given enough highlight and Jeremie Karngbaye who will play college ball but you wouldn't know with the lack of love (we haven't given - my bad). We've mentioned lack of respect to those studs but also people saying Hatch-Robetson is like the title game, I believe Portales very much deserve to be in that conversation. St. Mike's dealing with major injuries.

Why St. Mikes: Program, coaching and 1-2 punch. The program head coach Joey Fernandez has built is one that can't be truly counted out of any game especially one with this much meaning behind it. Antonio Gabaldon is an underrated junior quairterback along with Joey Fernandez who had a big performance in the upset win over 3-seed Moriarty look. Last thing is look for an very underrated OL behind Julian Brittain and Shaun Lave to move the 1-2 punch along.

Prediciton: Portales 34, St. Mikes 21

Line: Portales -20

Over/Under: 44

3A - Semi-Finals

Schedule

No. 1 Estancia vs No. 4 Eunice, Sat., 1PM
No. 2 Capitan vs No. 3 Dexter, Fri., 7PM

Preview & Predictions

No. 4 Eunice (7-4) at No. 1 Estancia (10-1): It's hard to imagine this train stopping at any point this season as the 1-seed and defending champ Estancia Bears have won 23 of their last 24 games. The first meeting between these teams came on September 2nd a 50-28 win by Estancia.

Why Estancia: Program, Running Back and... EVERYTHING. Head coach Stewart Burnett has clearly established the Estancia Bears as a program. Two state titles, including the record we've mentioned (plus they haven't lost in sometime - number?). Bears running back Ezekiel Tapia has run for an eye-popping 2,543-yards (11.1 avg.) with 39 touchdowns. That many yards it's hard to imagine that they have four backs with yards like 477 (Moises Anaya, Jr), 378 (Josh Thomas, So), 339 (Isaiah Chavez, Sr) and 286 (Cruz Moreno, So) all totals that could be significant for other programs. Thomas and Moreno the sophomore duo on defense with 64 and 61 total tackles. Last but not least is the 6-foot-1 OL in Carlos Parra, the junior who topped the list of Top 15 OL's in the semi-finals.

Why Eunice: Solid D, Fearless Youth and everything to gain for the program. Looking at programs for next season the Cardinals could be the team that has a chance to be very good next season. Everything that they do this season is all gains as they have a freshmen and junior quarterback that have played well - Mason Caperton (Fr) has passed for 878-yards with 10 touchdowns. Sophomore running back Juan Sosa has 1,028 rushing yards this season with 6 touchdowns. The defense is led by Brandon Buttery (Sr) with 149-total tackles this season along with sophomores Cameron Santa Cruz (96 tackles) and Johan Juarez (92 tackles).

Prediction: Estancia 48, Eunice 24

Line: Estancia -24

Over/Under: 68


No. 3 Dexter (9-2) vs Capitan (10-1): The bonus Friday night game is a rematch from an October 28th meeting between the two programs. The Tigers (Capitan) took the first game 27-13 at home after a dominating opening quarter in which the Tigers jumped to a 14-0 lead.

Why Capitan: The Price is right Bowen, Ellison and Trujillo. Price Bowen is the definition of do everything athlete for the Tigers, the junior has 111-total tackles, 873-rushing yards and 1,193-passing yards to go along with 28 total touchdowns (15 passing). Stephen Ellison is a junior running back with 980-rushing yards with 12 TDs. Alejandro Trujillo the receiver with 514-yards and 7 touchdowns has been little mentioned doing big things.

Why Dexter: Coaching, Bambino-Gabino and a defense to talk about. Kevin Graham is doing well in only his second season as the Demons have won 9-games this season, clearly a huge step for the Demons. Gabino Rodriguez a powerful back that has over 800-yards this season and gets into the end zone with the best of them from the red zone. The defense is only allowing 11 points per game including an impressive win over Portales the 2-seed from 4A, a 24-13 win for the Demons.

Prediction: Capitan 18, Dexter 14

Line: Capitan -4.5

Over/Under: 33

What did you learn Friday night

45-7 final

Wowowowow

Schedules & Times

6A Semi-Finals

No. 1 Rio Rancho vs No. 5 Manzano, Sat., 1pm

No. 2 Cleveland vs No. 3 Las Cruces, Fri., 7pm

5A Semi-Finals

No. 5 Los Lunas at No. 1 Artesia, Sat., 1pm

No. 3 Roswell at No. 2 St. Pius X, Fri., 7pm

4A Semi-Finals

No. 1 Robertson vs No. 5 Hatch Valley, Sat., 1PM

No. 2 Portales vs No. 6 St. Michael's, Sat., 1:30PM

3A Semi-Finals

No. 1 Estancia vs No. 4 Eunice, Sat., 1PM

No. 2 Capitan vs No. 3 Dexter, Fri., 7PM

8-Man State Championship

No. 1 Gateway Christian vs No. 2 Melrose, Sat., 1PM

No. 3 Roswell @ No. 2 St. Pius X, Friday, Nov. 25th, at 7PM

who you got?

What was it?

No. 5 Manzano at No. 1 Rio Rancho +2,000 (Upset is Manzano +5,000)
No. 3 Las Cruces at No. 2 Cleveland +2,500 (Upset is Las Cruces +4,000)
No. 5 Los Lunas at No. 1 Artesia +1,500 (Upset is Los Lunas +6,000)
No. 3 Roswell at No. 2 St. Pius X Pick'Em +3,000
No. 5 Hatch Valley at No. 1 Robertson +2,000 (Upset is Hatch +3,500)
No. 6 St. Mikes at No. 2 Portales +2,000 (Upset is St. Mikes +8000)
No. 4 Eunice at No. 1 Estancia +1,500 (Upset is Eunice +10,000)
No. 2 Melrose at No. 1 Gateway Christian +2,000 (Upset is Melrose +2,500)

Rapid Fire: Fill in the Blank

Each week we try to predict each game and classification. We continue that with an early version of our Rapid Fire.

Coaching Match up to Watch in semifinals: Jaime Ramirez (Portales) vs Joey Fernandez (St. Mikes): Both coaches have been around for along time at heir respected programs. One gets to coach in the title game. Both have great offensive numbers and defenses that are highly underrated.

X Factor to Watch: Cameron Herrera, Manzano. The Monarchs take on the top team in New Mexico. Herrera, has the task of stopping the best running back along with a quarterback who is playing really well. Herrera, had 4-sacks in the quarterfinals.

Hype game to watch: Hatch Valley vs Robertson. How could you not be excited for the re-match of the 2015 title game in 4A. Both teams are playing well this season and could be a favorite to go on to win the 2016 title. The game features two high profile quarterbacks (Ortiz, Robertson/Carson, Hatch).

Underrated game to watch: Melrose vs Gateway Christian: Sometimes we forget to mention 8-man football and we shouldn't. The classification and small school football for that matter are known for offense and high scoring games. However, the last time these two met was the 1st game of the season and was a 30-20 game so you might see a defensive showdown instead. These two are playing for the 2016 8-man title.

Overrated game to watch: Las Cruces vs Cleveland. What? Yes, I know you are thinking that right now. This is what I am thinking. It wont't be a showdown. I have a feeling it will be run-a-away by one team. Is that LC or Cleveland? Why do I feel it won't be a showdown? Can I say I have a feeling? Well, you look at the first time they met a 49-41 Cleveland win and you can call me nuts. Who am I taking? That'll come later this week.

Close call: Roswell vs St. Pius X. Are you excited? You should be the winner plays in the state title game. I don't re-call a single person predicted either one of these two teams to play for that game. The guy to watch is a sophomore in Cade Manzanares (MLB/Roswell) who has the chance to shine and shutdown the number one ranked QB in 5A. I think a game that ends with a 1-point win.

Blow out: Artesia vs Los Lunas. It won't be close. You might be thinking after reading the overrated game section that for sure I have lost my mind. Maybe. However, I think one team will come out swinging early and end this one. The defense will come into play in this game. Who blows out who? Later this week.

Trivia

Highest seed to win a title?

Coach with the most titles still in the semi-finals?

Biggest semi-final player performance?

Program in the semi-finals that hasn't won a title?

Coach that hasn't won a title in the semi-finals?

Questions

What does Manzano, Eunice, Hatch or Los Lunas need to do to upset 1-seed?

What is the deciding factor in Las Cruces-Cleveland game?

Who to watch in the Gateway-Melrose game?

2-seed with best chance to play in the title game: Cleveland, Pius, Portales or Capitan?

2018 Jack Murano commits to the Lobos. Great kid and family. The gentle giant!!

Manzano vs Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho

We've all attempted to take the opponent that Rams are playing - I won't.

Las Cruces vs Cleveland

Las Cruces

Dogs typically hate Storms but this Dawg has a pack that is fearless.

Los Lunas vs Artesia

Artesia

Do I take the team I predicted would upset here? Great thing about this job is I can change my mind - I did.

Roswell vs St. Pius X

St. Pius

Well, I changed my mind again, this Pius team is special.

Hatch Valley vs Robertson

Robertson

I truly thought we would see the two playing for the title again. Nope. I have to pick I take the Bird over the Bear.

St. Mikes vs Portales

Portales

Portales still relatively quiet on their run to a 2-seed this season. I take them into the Finals.

Eunice vs Estancia

Estancia

Da Bears. El Tapia. Don't know how you pick against them.

Melrose vs Gateway Christian

Gateway Christian

Picking against the Gut. I guess most could say choosing a salad over pizza if we are talking gut. I just like the Warriors in this one.

Better Than Expected To Start the Season?

Interesting story on the end of a class 7A semi-final playoff game in Illinois where the referees made the wrong call to end a game...

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/football-state-championship-game-to-be-decided-in-court-193432320.html

What Have You Learned in Week Two?

Top Performances from Week Two

Poll: Most Intriguing Week Two Scores - Tuesday

NMPreps.com Pre-Season 4A Rankings

The 2016/2017 New Mexico High School basketball season is here and today we release our first look at the NMPreps.com pre-season rankings. The rankings could change closer to the first week of games but right now this is what we know heading into the season

Atcitty: 4A Boy's Basketball Preseason Preview

Overview

Is it any surprise that Hope Christian is the preseason favorite? You would think that they’d drop a season after losing key seniors, but the program has done a superb job cranking out a new winning varsity roster season after season. They bring back Marcus Medina, Nelson Longmire, and Cole Yearout. They will also do plenty more traveling as they move out to the east in District 4 with Portales, Moriarty, Ruidoso, and NMMI.

West Las Vegas follows the Huskies at the second spot and will look to continue their scoring proficiency from the regular season last year. The Dons had the class-best 70.5 points per game scoring and with it being DJ Bustos’ last season after five years, they’ll look to continue that trend this upcoming season.

Pojoaque Valley was one of the top defensive teams last year in 4A when through the regular season they held opponents to a class-best of 44.3 points per game. They did struggle at times offensively, but that might change with the returning versatile wing in James Garcia. Also coming back are guard Dominic Roybal and Tevin Flowers. The Rams of Portales come in at the fourth spot. Although their district dominance might be in trouble with the addition of Hope Christian, they’ll still have some standouts to compete. They return dynamic scoring guard Junior Ramirez, the post-presence of Jeremie Karngbaye, and Tyrese Dawson to lead the Rams back to the postseason. And in at the fifth spot are the Fighting Colts of Silver. They’ll return plenty of firepower in guards Sal Cruz and Tristin Moore. Their frontcourt could be one of the best in 4A with Keshawn Thornton, Wyatt Oglesby, Tyler Gonzales, and Konner Riddle.

It was bit unusual not seeing St. Michael’s make a deep run in last year’s postseason, but this year shows a new promise. The Horsemen will be led by Luke Archuleta, Alex Garcia, and Thomas Pacheco. Robertson loss quite a bit of firepower with losing three key seniors to graduation, but the Cardinals still have plenty of talent on their roster to remain on the top teams in 4A. Junior forward Arjay Ortiz along with Noah Leger and Dante Jenkins all return for the Cardinals. Barn-burnin’ Bernalillo debuts in 4A after dropping down from 5A. Ever the wildcards, the Spartans look to make an impact and in a new district with SFIS, Sandia Prep, East Mountain, and Bosque they look to be early favorites in their district as well. Taos is fairly young, but they do return one of the better post players in 4A with Landen Archuleta. They’ll also look to Quinn Moon to contribute. And wrapping up our Top-10 are the Bears from Wingate. They’re favorites in District 1-4A against the likes of Shiprock and Navajo Prep. They bring back Brandon Belone, Leon Alonzo, and Josh Holiday.


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More to come on Chantz Atcitty joining the NMPreps.com basketball coverage.


More: Preseason Home | 3A Rankings | 2A Rankings | 1A Rankings

Grine Overview

Without much surprise, maybe no surprise, the number one team going into the 2016/2017 basketball season is the Hope Christian Huskies who are coming off winning their fourth state consecutive state championship. The Huskies went 29-2 last season and return one of the best players in 4A basketball in Marcus Medina who was ranked in the NMPreps.com Top 100 Players.

The second ranked team in the NMPreps.com preseason rankings is the Robertson Cardinals who reached the Final Four in 2016. The Cardinals return seven players from the Final Four team including a player that could be on our preseason All-State team in Arjay Ortiz. Staying in Las Vegas we have the West Las Vegas Dons checking in at third behind division one level talent DJ Bustos.

Rounding out the Top-5 is the Pojoaque Valley Elks who have one of the best duos returning in James Garcia and Dominic Roybal. For the surprise at number five is the Cobre Indians. At 11-15 last season the Indians could be the biggest dark horse in the bunch. However they return their top three leading scorers in Andru Sanchez, Damien Guck and Gilbert Soto.

The biggest snub in the top-5 could be sixth ranked Portales with clearly the best 4A post in New Mexico. Ruidoso returns one of the better shooting guards with a trio of the biggest unknowns in Silver, St. Michael's and Taos who have three of the best head coaches in the classification.

NMPreps.com Pre-Season 4A Rankings
1. Hope Christian
2. Robertson
3. West Las Vegas
4. Pojoaque Valley
5. Cobre
6. Portales
7. Ruidoso
8. Silver
9. St. Michael's
10. Taos

Bracket Championships


Overall Leaderboard Points Championships

Week 14 Bold Statements

25 Studs To Watch in the Semi-Finals

Coming up with 20 must see names in the semi-finals was tough, especially when you consider this group of 25 names to watch along with the 15 offensive linemen we mentioned in the earlier version.

More: Top 20 Players in the Semi-Finals | Top 15 Offensive Linemen in the Semi-Finals

Four Must See Players

Gabriel Najar, Jr, RB, Roswell High School: When you think about the success the Coyotes are having this season much of that success should be credited to Najar. The junior running back will be a name to know for next season after rushing for 1,029-yards this season with 11-touchdowns.

Alejandro Vallejos, Jr, LB, Manzano High School: The Manzano Monarchs are playing well at the point in the season when they need to most. The linebacker who has been the fuel to the this defense and has 64-tackles

Cailon Bailon, Jr, LB, Rio Rancho High School: If one name deserves more credit and hasn't this season (Grine!) is the name Cailon Bailon and this Rio Rancho defense. Bailon, has 63-tackles and 5.5 sacks this season. I love this list because studs like Bailon get the headline that they deserve.

Cade Hackey, Sr, WR, Hatch Valley High School: If there is a player that deserve more pub, it's Hackey. If a player is D-1 it's Hackey. I liked this player a lot all season including the combine that featured the best players in the state. Hackey has 804-yards on the season with 10-touchdowns and will be one of the top names to watch this weekend.

Top-25 Names You Should Know

Alejandro Vallejos, Jr, ILB, Manzano HS
Andrew Erickson, Jr, WR, Manzano HS
Ashton Klovenas, Sr, DE, Rio Rancho HS
Cade Hackey, Sr, WR, Hatch Valley HS
Cailon Bailon, Jr, LB, Rio Rancho HS
Christian Brewster, Sr, CB, Los Lunas HS
Cody Scott, Sr, DL, Artesia HS
Devon McGhee, Sr, CB, Manzano HS
Dylan DiLorenzo, Sr, WR, St. Pius X
Gabriel Najar, Sr, RB, Roswell HS
Hector Carreon, Sr, NG, Estancia HS
Hunter Wisneski, Sr, WR, Los Lunas HS
Isaiah Chavez, Sr, DB, Estancia HS
Jhariss Granger, Sr, DL, Artesia HS
Kawika Padilla, Jr, DL, Los Lunas HS
Martin Trujillo, Sr, Wr, Los Lunas HS
Mel DeHerrera, Sr, WR, St. Pius X
Nicholas Gaerlan, So, QB, Los Lunas HS
Noah Baca, Jr, LB, Manzano HS
Ryan McGaha, Sr, WR, St. Pius X
Ryan Moore, Sr, CB, Manzano HS
Sean Davis, Sr, DL, Cleveland HS
Tanner Harris, Sr, K, Artesia HS
Taylor Null, Jr, QB, Artesia HS
Trey Parnell, Sr, LB, Rio Rancho HS